Hanging in there….

All is well for the most part with us…recovering from illness in our household (mommy and all three boys).  Dad got his first round of chemo this weekend and I’ll be spending most of the next two days helping out there…

Dad’s official diagnosis is Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer with metastases.  He got 3 doses of chemo over the weekend and is actually feeling pretty good.  Praise the Lord!!!  We’re hoping to spend time as a family this weekend (Praying I can get someone to work for me so I can be there).

I’m realizing sometimes God is telling me to slow down…I’m moving way too fast for my own good….

 

Photo by Hope @ Pixosphere 

I’m reflecting as I try to take on more stuff, fit it into the same amount of time, and slow down all at the same time…

As a result….

The next few weeks may not have a lot of blog posts.  I have lots of ideas churning in my head…I’m hoping to get some stuff down and start a regular rotation of posts…

Can you help me?

My question for you…what kind of things do you want to read about!!  You can either leave me a comment or email me using the button on the side.  I’d love to hear from you!!  My intent is not to be gone too long, I love blogging and I love the community of women I’m meeting through blogging.  It’s truly helping me keep my sanity!!  Seriously.

I will be on twitter likely during this blog quiet time…you can follow me @MommaKristi

Some posts you will see hopefully soon on here are

#b90days update (I’m finished!!!)

Hide His Word (and maybe a vlog)

Garden planning

Meal planning (I really need to get back with it).

I’m hoping to get back on the weight watchers bandwagon this week….far too off program for my own good at this point. 

So in case it’s quiet…know we’re ok.  Just keep praying for us!!  and as I said, I’m hoping to throw some posts together this week!!

And don’t forget that the 21 days of prayer for our boys starts Friday!!

 

And dear friends…how are you?  How can I pray for you, help you, support you right now?  If God has shown me anything in this time…it’s that we need one another in this community!!  I’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers and support by my dearest “in real life” friends and new friends I’m making online!!  I want to return the support to you as well!!!

Much Love,

Hiding His Word

I interrupt this normal what I wore Wednesday day post for something a little different…because basically I’ve been wearing sweats.  It’s ok, I’ll get back into the swing of things once we kick whatever bacteria/virus/bug it is that is living in my house!!!  I’m going for comfort and getting healthy!!!

So I know it sounds crazy that I’m joining up with another challenge, but I truly feel like these gals I’m meeting on twitter and helping me to be a better version of myself!!!

Katie is my accountability captain for #hellomornings and has been such a blessing and encouragement!!!  This is one of her blogs:

She started about her Hide Philippians in your Heart Challenge and I so badly wanted to start it.  But I was in the middle of reading the Bible in 90 Days and man is that a commitment!!!  We’re almost finished with the Bible (I’m in Romans and will be done by the end of this month!!!!) and in light of all that is going on with Dad I wanted to start memorizing scripture…and I decided I needed it RIGHT NOW!!!!

I prayed a bit about what I wanted to memorize.  I’ve been listening to Seeds Family Worship while I’ve been running and am enjoying that and I know music helps me tremendously!!

So when I saw Katie’s post on Essentials of Philippians and it had verses set to music I decided I was in!!  I planned to start April 1st when B90days was done…but this weekend at work I was craving having His word flowing through my mind…so I decided to start putting together my journal.   (it’s a pink moleskin!!)

 

 

I used some resources from both Katie’s site and Ann Voskamp’s site (because y’all know how much I love Ann!!).  Jason downloaded the songs to match the verses for me so I could listen on my iPhone at work.

And yesterday while Jake was having a snack I sat at the table with him and wrote out my verse cards.  I also am trying to use the first letter method that both Katie and Ann are using!!  I do have the verse typed up too and taped to the outside of my shower door so I can see it!!!  And yes, I can listen to it and sing along!! 

 

I’m so excited about this challenge and I’m excited to see so many of my internet friends joining along!!  I’m hoping to do a vlog…(eeek) about it soon, we’ll see.  In the meantime, I’m just doing everything I can to hide His Word in my heart!!!

I’m linking this post up with Katie’s introduction to Hide His Word.

I’m a boy mom…..

In light of what's been going on over the last few months with my dad and the busy-ness called life- I've got one constant and that's my faith in Jesus Christ. That has not changed. Another thing that hasn't changed is he 3 little boys that call me mommy.

I find it ironic that I'm a boy mom (and have 3 little boys under three and a half). If you know me- you know that even  though I was raised a farm girl, I'm a girly girl. I love pink, American girl dolls, makeup and nail polish. I dreamed of a daughter of my own that I could share these loves with. But once Max came into my life I was changed.  I was transformed into a true boy mom.

Eighteen months later Jake was born and I was ecstatic!  These two rough and tumble little boys would be best friends!!  And then we announced another pregnancy and people would say to me withe held tilt nod "so you decided to try for a girl.". Not really!  I mean I would have been thrilled to have a girl- to use that girl name that I've held onto since 2007. But honestly- I knew he was a boy and was perfectly content with it. And Cole now joins us and our family is complete.

There are days that these three boys make me nervous (to think about them being 3 teenagers eating me out of house and home) but all in all- I've found my footing as a boy momma.

There is so much responsibility with being a boy momma though. I want to raise these boys to be Godly men that love Jesus. Surely I had no idea to do that. And Jason being a fairly new Christian himself wasn't sure where to start.

So when my Internet friend Brooke announced on twitter and the mob society website that she created an e-book of prayers for boys I literally stopped in my tracks and pre-ordered it. On. The. Spot.

It was released on valentines day and I promptly printed it and had it spiral bound at office max.  And I read. And read. And prayed. And tears fell. How amazing is it that this book on prayer was indeed an answer to prayers in my own heart that I hadn't even put into words!?!!

From the book:

“And I certainly have no idea how to raise warriors, protectors, worshippers, peacemakers, and friends by myself. But I do know how to get down on my knees and cry out to God on their behalf.”

“So I pray the Word over my boys daily.  Asking the One Who has the power to change hearts of stone into hearts of flesh to find my boys and make them His”

“Prayer.  This battle is best fought on your knees.”

“I don’t pray because I have all the answers.  I pray because I don’t.”

“I don’t pray because I can.  I pray because I can’t.”

(all quotes from WARRIOR PRAYERS, Praying the Word for Boys in the areas they need it most")

I’ve read this book.  I’ve cried tears of these prayers.  I’ve pleaded for God to intervene in these boys life in spite of how Jason and I parent them. 

And I know there are other mom’s out there doing the same thing…and that brings me comfort!!!

 

And then, Brooke decided to give us all a challenge.  To all together pray for 21 days for our boys.  It starts April 1st and I’m honored to be part of this!!

 

It's so fantastic to be part of a community of mom's that care so deeply about their boys that they will get down on their knees for them.

 

So here is my point of all this….do you have a boy?  Are you a mob? You need this book.  Simple and straight forward…It will give you the steps and the words that you don’t think you have in you and give you ways to intercede for those bundles of joy that we call our sons. 

This e-book is only $5.97 and you can print it directly from your computer.  I’m not getting anything from Brooke by saying this…I just want to invite you from the bottom of my heart to pray with me for your boys!!

Then, you can join us for the 21 day Challenge!! You don’t have to have a blog or twitter to participate, you can bookmark Brooke’s blog and just read the posts and comment there.  Or if you do want to jump in and tweet with us or blog the journey with us, please let me know I can help ya get started!!!

I love this book.  I’m so excited to see what God is going to do with a group of mom’s that are committed together to get on their knees for their sons.  I’m eager to see how exactly I can get more out of this book and maybe take it into my own church and have our own local “chapter” of the mob society and share in life together!!!

Please prayerfully consider getting this book, reading it, and joining us on April 1st as we pray up a generation of little boys to become Godly Men!!

So, what do you think?

Multitudes 33-51, and other thoughts

I know it’s supposed to be Multitudes on Monday…but I’m still thankful…I know it’s Tuesday…we’re just gonna go with it.

Things are getting much harder…I have really good days.  Some days I can’t kick the sadness and overwhelming feeling I feel.  Luckily keeping this list out on the counter is reminding me to look for God’s gifts.

No pics today.  I did take pics of some on my phone and posted on Instagram….if we’re not instagram friends…well we should be.  Leave me a comment and I’ll add ya!!

On to my growing list of one thousand gifts

33.  Iced Tea with Lemon

34. losing 1.6 lbs

35. new blog look (if you read in a reader, please click through and take a look!)

36.  exercise

37.  reminders to slow down

38.  art time for boys

39. big helping little (handing him his paci)

40.  middle talking more (been a huge burden on my heart)

41.  talking to my dad daily

42.  rain

43.  new babies (a twitter friend)

44.  target with big (a trip just the 2 of us!!)

45.  hot tea

46.  clean closet

47.  late night tears, and my husband that dries them for me

48.  big and middle sharing laughs in the early morning (and watching them on the video monitor)

49.  mail from sweet friends just when I needed it

50. a gorgeous sunset

51.  dinner in the crockpot

 

So many blessings!!  I know I have some tough days ahead…dad has 2 appts this week.  I’d appreciate your prayers.

 

Have you started your list of one thousand gifts?  I’d love to see yours!!!

Boys in Motion 3/11/11

Pirate Max says, “AAARRRRGGGHGHH!!” Thank you Chick-fil-a for the pirate hat and treasure chest!!

I’m linking this post up with Erin @ Home with the Boys “boys in motion” link-up

project:simplify- Hot Spot#1

I know, I know…another project…another goal…I am crazy!!  But the effort that I put into this one is minimal and I got huge results…HUGE!!  I love this challenge…I love that it’s simple and I really could tackle it in little bursts.  Because let’s face it, all I got right now is little bursts of time that I’ve gotta work with!!!

So, hot spot #1 is the Master Closet….ay yay yay did mine need help!!!  And this fit perfectly into everything else going on my life…I’m losing weight, I’m *trying* to get showered and dressed every day, and I’m trying to simplify my life.  Works great…right?

So here’s some befores:

I love my master closet.  I took the door off and put Elfa shelves in from the Container Store when I built my house.  Can you believe before Jason and I got married I filled this closet all myself?  (talk about way too much stuff).

So I’ve been tweeting about my progress all week.

And this…..

was the attitude I took. 

Five bags of clothes and shoes for goodwill.  One bag of scrubs to be returned to the hospital (I wear hospital issued scrubs for work and kept “growing” when I was pregnant and needed new ones).

And here are my results:

 

I know, I still have a shoe problem- but I got rid of a lot!!

I think my official “Mom uniform” is plain short and long sleeve t-shirts…I have a rainbow of them!!

I got rid of any pants that I do not wear or did not fit.  The only thing I didn’t really purge is t-shirts.  I love my college t-shirts.  They’re so comfy.  And since I’m working out more I gave myself permission to keep them.  But I did purge a ton of pajama pants and sweats.  And in honor of What I Wore Wednesday I’m wearing sweatpants today, but with a nice shirt…not a collegiate t-shirt from the 90s!!  It’s progress people…and I’m proud!!!

Jason even got involved and got rid of some shoes.  He had recently purged quite a bit before Christmas so his side isn’t too bad!!!

SimpleMom- I thank you…it felt good to do this project and I’m looking forward to the next 4 hotspots!!! 

thanks for visiting,

Just because…

#3 in 30 update 3/10/11

So far my #3in30 goals are going really well.

Here's my updates:

1.  TV free afternoons- some days it works, some days it doesn't!!  Right now my boys are playing with play-doh and we're listening to Seeds Family Worship.
Tuesday I'm pretty sure we watched Wall-e twice.  Jake does have another ear infection and his temper is directly related to how he feels.  Hopefully after 24 hours of antibiotic he'll be back to his chipper self and we can be Wall-e free a few days!!  I am much more aware of it though!!!

2.  Exercise three times a week
This has been a success!!  I'm on day 3 week 1 of Couch to 5K and I'm enjoying it.  Jason has been able to get on the treadmill too!!  I'm a little stiff and I hope I can get some stretching in this work weekend so I don't get too sore!!

3.  Blog overhaul!!!
If you're reading this in a reader please click through and look at my beautiful new logo and feel free to put my snazzy button on your site!!   I'm loving it!!  I still have a few things on my blog to do list for this month but I'm really pleased!!

I'm very pleased with how this month is going #3in30 wise!!  It's been a tough one emotionally but #3in30 is really helping me stay grounded!!!

How are your goal’s going?

 

Linking this post up with the gals at #3in30 at Ashley’s blog & Meghan’s blog

When it rains…

Today was hard.  Really hard.

I've been trying to keep positive over the last few weeks in light of the bad news my dad got.  I really have.  I mean, all in all, things are great. 
I'm losing weight, getting organized, reading my Bible daily, and exercising.  On the outside, things look good.  In an effort to be real with you though, I have to tell the truth.  Some days I do really well.

Photo by Donna @ Pixosphere 

But today it rained.  It rained hard. 
I heard it when I woke up, hitting the roof.  I drove through it on the way to pick up lunch. It was cloudy and overcast all day long.

And I finally cried.  Real tears, hard tears...ugly cry.  I've teared up in the last few weeks, but this was ugly cry.

And it felt good. 

"They" (whoever they is) say that God won't give you more than you can handle.  Well, I'm learning that God gives you more than you could ever handle on your own in order that you fully rely on Him to get through it.

The enemy is going to continue to throw stuff my way.  Jake may have his third ear infection in three months, Max might just fight me on every meal (the boy does not eat!!), and Cole's teeth may feel like they are never going to pop through.  Jason may get this same cold the boys have.  Depression and anxiety may rear their ugly faces again in me.

But I serve a God that is the same exact God He was two and a half weeks ago.  He is still the I am!  He is bigger than ear infections, stubborn toddlers, teething babies, cancer, colds, and depression. I have to continue to trust in Him, even on days like today when the clouds roll in.

Photo by TeriLynne @ Pixosphere

I read a quote on twitter when I first started being more active there.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."
 
It's amazing how the Lord has been preparing me to handle this.  I've seen a general theme in my life of slowing down and I'm more committed to Him now than I ever have been.  All of the new things I've been working on and joining in on...they are for the "right now."

During my treadmill time the last two mornings I've listened to Seeds Family Worship (I cannot recommend these cds enough and they do not pay me to say that).

This song has been my stronghold today...

 

Even as the tears flowed down my face mixed with raindrops, this song has been in my head...on repeat.

And tonight, it's my soundtrack as I dance in the rain.

 

Top 10 Tuesday 3/8/2011

Since getting active on twitter and purposefully blogging with this amazing community of women I’m finding so many challenges, groups, and activities and I honestly can’t keep them all straight…so in honor of Top 10 Tuesday I thought I’d make a master list of stuff I’m loving online right now and that I think you should check out!!

1.  Hellomornings

For some reason I can’t get the hellomornings button to show up, but Kat at Inspired to Action has started an accountability group based off of her Maximize your Mornings E-book (free- just click the button on my sidebar).  I’m amazed at the friendships I’ve made through the #hellomornings threads on twitter and these amazing women!!!

2.  Bible in 90 days

Wow wow wow!!!  This challenge has changed me and made me realize how much I need to be in God’s word.  It’s not easy, believe me, but it’s so worth it!!  I’m craving my quiet reading time every day and I’m loving what I’m learning!!!  I can’t believe I have less than a month left and we’re almost in the new testament!!!

3.   3 in 30

I’m getting stuff done…I’m not as overwhelmed…I feel like I have some focus during my down time.  My only complaint is that picking my 3 goals is super hard and there are lots of things I need to get done…still tweaking that process!!!

4.  Relevant11

I’ve gushed enough…do I need to say anything more?

5.  one thousand gifts

Another button I can’t get to work for some reason….but this book is life changing!!  Ann Voskamp is such an amazing gifted writer and I recommend this book to everyone I know!!!

 

6.  Hiding His Word

 

Katie- my accountability captain for #hellomornings has a group of gals working on memorizing scripture and I’ve been watching these girls!!  I’ve decided to start memorizing scripture after I’m done with B90days.  Lord knows with all that is going on in my life right now, I need need need HIS WORD in my heart!!!

7.  Warrior Prayers

Brooke has written an amazing book called Warrior Prayers and is having a challenge in April to pray together for our sons. More info here.  I’m exciting about praying for my boys with these women!!!

8.  Photography

Brooke also has a journal of a photography newbie and Darcy has a series titled 31 days to better photos that I’m going to be playing with and working through.  No time limits there…I want to take my time and learn how to take good pictures with my new camera!!!

9. Blogging

I’ve found several sources and sites to hopefully help with my intentional blogging.  On is Ann Voskamp’s Upside Down blogger’s prayer.  I’m also working through another series about finding the purpose of my blog and working to be more knowledgeable about blogging (html, buttons, codes…since I apparently have trouble with buttons…half had to be deleted because they didn’t show up!!).  I have many friends that are mentoring me, answering my questions and helping me through it all!!!

10.  Weight loss and overall health

Of course, I’m still doing weight watchers and I downloaded the app for my iPhone.  It’s helping me keep track of my points.  I also have the couch 2 5k app and I did day 1 week 1 today on the treadmill!!!  I plan to keep tracking about my weigh ins on my Wednesday posts and hope to track my couch 2 5k somewhere too!!!

Bonus…#11.  Project Simplify:

 

I’m overwhelmed with all the stuff we have and I’m encouraged by Tsh’s book Organized Simplicity.  (although I won’t let myself read it until I’m done with B90days).  I’m super excited about this project and I’m hoping to participate….

…because seriously…how cute is that button!!!!

 

Wow, lots of stuff…no wonder I feel so busy!!!  It feels good to have it all down!!!  thanks for reading my top 10 list…for more lists check out Oh Amanda and let me know if I’m missing any jewels out there on the old www.

Much Love,

Multitudes on Mondays #24-32

I continue on with my one thousand gifts…

#24.  a decent weekend at work

#25.  getting a Relevant11 ticket

#26.  renewal at weigh in, even with a gain

#27.  Out as a family of 5 for dinner

#28.  my hellomornings routine

#29.  finding goodies in Lamentations

#30.  visions of spring

#31 new tools of my phone (yes, I’m thankful for the weight watcher app for iPhone!)

#32.  new sweat pants

 

Are you looking for one thousand gifts?  What are you finding?

3 in 30 update…March 4, 2011

I love the 3 in 30 challenge and how it’s helping me stay focused on my goals!!!  I really feel like breaking things down like this is helping me get things done!!!

So here is where we are for March…

Goal 1.  TV free afternoons

We got our Seeds Family Worship CDs and I love them.  We’ve really done great shutting the tv off in the afternoon and listening to music, although this afternoon we did start a movie because Mr Shall Not Be Named (but referred to lovingly as Middle) has decided he doesn’t need to nap.  I started Cars and he fell asleep on the floor before Lightning blew his first tire.  I’ll take it.  Bedtime is much smoother when he naps.  I feel like I’m making progress though!!

Goal 2.  Exercise 3 times a week for 30 minutes

So far, so good!!  For 2 weeks now I’ve been getting on the treadmill 3 times a week for 30 minutes.  Jason has too!!!  I’m sore and I actually went today and bought new running shoes because my feet hurt.  It’s really hard to stay committed to this, especially since I’m doing it Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday because of work…and I’d really like to relax those days.  I am afraid to skip one though because I know I’ll fall off the wagon!!!

Goal 3.  Blog overhaul

It’s in progress and I hope to unveil the new look really really soon!!!

 

So I’d say it’s a success.  I may have been too easy on myself because I actually have quite a bit of de-cluttering to still do and boys clothes to sort, but these three above are my main focus this month!!!

For more 3 in 30 stories, click the button above and visit all my new friends on their journeys!!!